By Adam Horvath

For years, we Jerseyans have suffered from a chronic case of terminal-envy, that short-lived feeling of ennui we’d get after arriving back home from one of those shiny, new modern airports with all the bells and whistles.
            But thanks to a recent $2.7 billion glow-up, Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport has been completely transformed—with sleek design, local flavor, and an undeniable sense of place—into something truly worthy of the great Garden State.
Spanning more than a million square feet, Terminal A was designed with Jersey personality in mind—from cutting-edge signage and superior retail to thoughtfully curated art and nods to local pride. The vibe is high-end shopping mall meets cultural landmark—still with that fresh “new car” scent.
            You’ll find quiet spaces, replete with cherry blossoms, to charge your phone or crack open a book, plus easy indoor access to the new multi-level garage that makes parking a breeze—no umbrella required.
And then there’s the food. From celebrity chef kitchens to beloved neighborhood favorites, Terminal A is dishing out some of the best bites in the state. Whether you’re heading out, passing through, or just grabbing a taste of Jersey—here’s your guide to the must-try dining options that make this terminal shine.

Where to Catch a Game
Got time before your flight and want to keep an eye on the scoreboard? You’re in luck. Terminal A has a couple great spots to grab a bite, a drink, and catch your favorite local teams on the big screen.

The Office Tavern Grill
Grab a seat at the bar or settle in at one of the high tops at this open-air restaurant, a satellite of the beloved local chain with five locations throughout New Jersey. Like its sisters, the Terminal A outpost offers a rotating cast of draft beers and an excellent menu of true craft cocktails.
            Keep an eye on the game and another on the bartender mixing up a Pop Rock Anthem—a fun blend of Lunazul Blanco, Triple Sec, lime, simple syrup, and, of course, Pop Rocks! Prefer to keep it classic? A crisp gin martini hits the spot, made with quality spirits that don’t mess around.
            If you’re looking to get your munch on but are feeling a bit indecisive, order a Couldn’t Decide: a glorious plate of fried mozzarella sticks, crispy loaded tots, creamy truffled deviled eggs, and game-time chicken wings any way you want. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out one of their hand-stretched Neapolitan Style flatbreads, crisped up nicely in an 800-degree stone fire oven.

BurgerFi
If burgers are more your thing, head over to BurgerFi, which delivers the goods with antibiotic-free Angus beef. And, believe me, you can taste the difference. Craving something a little more elevated? Go for The CEO: a Wagyu blend topped with aged Swiss cheese, truffle and garlic aioli, and finished with a house-made candied bacon and tomato jam.
            Not into beef?  Consider one of their hefty fried or grilled chicken breast sandwiches, or their two vegetarian sandwiches. The VegeFi quinoa and veggie blend burger tastes so authentic, you might forget you’re eating veg.
            This bustling location also boasts a full bar, TVs tuned to the latest games, and non-alcoholic sips like a Freestyle Float. It’s a great spot to catch a last second bucket or watch Aaron Judge crush another homer. You can also grab your order to go and scroll through your socials at one of the nearby lounge areas.

Pro tip: If you like French fries, BurgerFi uses fresh-cut potatoes and cooks them not once, not twice, but thrice—which makes them extra crispy and extra delicious.

Neighborhood Haunts
Just passing through but want a taste of New Jersey? No problem, the neighborhood comes to you at these spots, originally rooted in Jersey communities and now serving Terminal A the same personality and polish that earned them loyal followings back home.

Felina Cucina
It’s impossible to talk about Jersey food without mentioning pizza. This casual restaurant boasts an eye-catching stone pizza oven and turns out delicious Italian American dishes like eggplant parm sandwiches and chicken cutlets that you’d find in any classic neighborhood pizzeria. If you’re limited on time, an ice cold Peroni and a small plate of marinated olives will never do you wrong.

The Kitchen Step
This modern-American bistro, located in the Van Vorst section of Jersey City, brings its neighborhood park vibe to the “Hammerhead” section essentially the terminal’s cul-de-sac. 
         Start with an artisanal cheese spread featuring seasonal jam and candied walnuts or choose from one of their other elevated small plates served “al fresco-ish.” The large, open air dining area is decked out with green chairs, hanging faux foliage, and leaf-painted murals, truly making you forget you’re dining indoors. And if you happen to be traveling on a Tuesday or Wednesday night, you might even catch some live music. 
         If you have time for a full meal, consider ordering what I’m officially going on record to say is quite possibly the best airport General Tso’s cauliflower steak, served with English pea purée and pine nut-raisin gremolata. But truthfully, all of their entrées are up to the flagship’s stellar standards.
         To add to the park-like atmosphere, there’s even a playground just feet from your dining area. Feel free to enjoy a beverage at your table while your kiddos safely frolic under your watchful eye.

Town Bar + Kitchen
Morristown’s stylish restaurant has set up shop at Terminal A without compromising its sophisticated approach to a globally inspired menu. If you have time before your flight, that sounds like good news to me because you can belly up to the bar and try a Natural Born Sinner: a blend of mezcal, Casamigos Blanco, apple cider liqueur, rosemary simple syrup, and lemon. 
         Craving comfort food? The four-cheese and pear-stuffed Cacio e Pepe pasta is sure to give you that satisfied “now I need a nap” feeling—just in time for takeoff.  And a slice of New York Cheesecake drenched in caramel, topped with whipped cream and pomegranate seeds? Let’s just say diets don’t count at the airport.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Need a treat before takeoff—or something sweet to celebrate touchdown? These dessert stops deliver the sugar rush you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re into gooey cookies, creamy gelato, or bite-sized cupcakes, Terminal A’s got just the thing.

Bang Cookies
Stock up on any of this gourmet shop’s all-natural cookies. You really can’t go wrong with any of owner George’s famous recipes, especially the Sea Salt Chocolate Chip: crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, and pure bliss.

Jersey & Co Gelato
Rich, creamy and made the old-school way, this Jersey City offshoot is scooping up handmade perfection in the form of offerings like Fior Di Latte gelato and mango sorbet, one cup at a time.

 Tonnie’s Minis
Come find out what made Tonnie Rozier’s West Village mini cupcake bar a dessert destination in NYC. His mom’s carrot cake mini is a must-try—a sweet, little perfect treat that hits the spot before you board.

Quick Bites, Big Flavor
Terminal A proves you don’t have to sacrifice quality when you’re short on time. These homegrown brands dish out big flavor—fast—whether you’re racing to your gate or just want something easy, familiar, and satisfying. 

Jersey Mike’s 
It’s only fitting that the mega chain born in Point Pleasant back in 1956 has found its way into Terminal A to serve up our favorite Jersey subs, like the Stickball Special and Original Italian subs. Honest question: Is there anything more Jersey than scarfing down an Italian hoagie with a little extra “gabagool?”

Playa Bowls
Two surfers, two blenders, and a patio table in Belmar—that’s how this fruity empire got its start. Now their delicious smoothies, fresh juices, and colorful crave-worth fruit bowls are fueling travelers just like they fueled boardwalk crowds. 

Shake Shack
Danny Meyer’s burger shack brings elevated fast food to a wide-open, casual space inside the terminal. It’s a great stop to munch on their signature ShackBurger and crinkle cut fries that always hit the spot. 

Carlito’s Tacos
Hand-pressed tortillas made right in front of you is what makes this homegrown food truck- turned-taqueria certified legit! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but check out the brisket, pulled pork, and sweet plantains.

Terminal A Runs on Caffeine
Whether you take your coffee black or you’re a three-pump, grande half-caff cappuccino kind of connoisseur, Terminal A has options to satisfy your fix. The terminal is home to both Starbucks and rival Dunkin’—which, according to Victor Domine, the terminal’s Marketing and Communications Manager, are the busiest locations in the country for each brand. If you’re in the mood for something a little less familiar, check out these satisfying alternatives.

Bluestone Lane
Get a taste of Melbourne, Australia’s coffee culture without flying across the world. This cafe whips up Aussie-inspired espresso drinks and high-end fare in a bright, airy setting. While their signature hot brew—with subtle notes of caramel and toasted almond—is good to the last sip, don’t sleep on their burgers. Believe it or not, this cafe “from down under” won the terminal’s “Best Burger” award for 2025. Aussie Aussie Aussie!

W.B. Law Coffee
Walter Law started roasting coffee in his father’s NJ barn almost 20 years before Newark Airport was even built. Now, more than a century later, his namesake company—still headquartered in Newark’s Ironbound— continues to supply freshly roasted coffee beans to area restaurants and markets, so it’s certainly fitting they set up shop in the airport. Aficionados can sip a smooth, sultry cup of their Columbian Gold roast and grab a bag of freshly roasted beans to bring home.

Bagels & Schmear
Perhaps you’ve heard that “it’s the water” that makes Northeast bagels so good. And, as Jersey expats like to say, “They don’t make ‘em like they do back home.” If this is true, Terminal A must have some really good H₂O—because the bagels here are the real deal. A stop at either of these NYC-rooted bakeries is as authentic as it gets. 

Zaro’s Bakery
This family-run bakery opened in the Bronx in 1959 and has since become a go-to at the region’s major transportation hubs. Clearly, they’ve mastered the art of dishing out quality food to people in a hurry.
         Try the NYC Works: smoked salmon, ripe tomato, onion, and capers, with cream cheese sandwiched on a chewy bagel. Or go sweet and savory with the Monte Cristo, prepared on Zaro’s famous challah bread, which is spectacular. They also offer freshly brewed coffee and smoothies like the Green Machine, with vanilla yogurt, banana, spinach, and honey for a healthier grab-and-go option.

Ess-a-Bagel
This satellite location of one of the City’s most popular bagel joints will give any social media- trending pop-up a run for its money. Pair a freshly baked sesame or everything bagel with one of their homemade cream cheese flavors or a blueberry muffin to start off the day right. And, you know, a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich is, in fact, the quintessential breakfast sandwich in the Tri-State area.